Thursday, November 19, 2009
Music news The case of the canceled Gucci Mane concerts
Posted by Ben Westhoff on Thu, Nov 19, 2009 at 6:32 PM
With Gucci Mane once again headed back to jail, his new song, "My Own Worst Enemy," feels particularly apropos. Over a melancholy synth beat from Drumma Boy, Gucci touches on his near-deadly beef with Young Jeezy, his conversations with the currently incarcerated T.I., and his own frequent brushes with the law: "Me, Jeezy and T.I. share one thing in common/All are poets/Role models to young people/Though at times man we still ignore it."
On Nov. 12, Gucci (née Radric Davis) was sentenced to 12 months behind bars for violating his probation and was removed from a Fulton County courtroom in handcuffs. He is expected to serve about half of that time. A judge ruled that he had not completed community service requirements, that he failed drug tests and that he did not secure permission to travel. The case dates back to a 2005 conviction for attacking a club promoter, and this is the second time he has failed to meet the terms of his probation – the first time last year, sent him to jail for seven months.
The setback seems to come at a bad time for him. The Atlanta-bred rapper is more popular than ever, and his highly anticipated new album, The State vs. Radric Davis, is due Dec. 8. But it has already caused chaos with fans and concert promoters around the country. His past incarceration and probation terms have led to the cancellation of about a dozen shows this year. His absences have left promoters squabbling with his manager and booking agent — and threatening to file lawsuits.
But beyond the allegations lies the allegory. If Gucci is the frog prince of Atlanta trap-rap, impatiently waiting as he has for the better half of a decade to take his turn on the throne, he doesn't need anything else to stunt his growth. Despite collaborating in 2009 with the likes of Mariah Carey, Black Eyed Peas, Mario and Usher – who's featured in the current single "Spotlight" from his upcoming album – Gucci's transition from 'hood star to pop star remains fraught with hiccups. It's something the industry may have to come to terms with, warts and all.
Continue Reading "The case of the canceled Gucci Mane concerts"
(Photo Courtesy So Icey/Asylum/Warner Bros)
Comments (5)
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Designing looks for Gucci’s iconic lines is a full-time job, but Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini has taken on some side projects, too. After all, 1921 Florence—where Gucci was founded—was a fashionable time, but 2010 is upon us, and Gucci is looking forward for their stylish, savvy clients.
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This is a great article and sheds some light on the bad business practices that are all too prevalent and threaten the future of the entertainment industry in Atlanta. Despite his popularity, it is unfortunate that Gucci Mane is involved in bringing such negative messages to the community (his young fan base) through his actions and in turn, his management and agent are exhibiting lack of any business ethics and affecting the entertainment/concert promotions community in a detrimental way. I listened to the extensive radio interview mentioned above hoping to hear some clarification on the actual business activities in question but the commentary was RIDICULOUS and the blatant ignorance exhibited by Antney and Cabbell was deplorable. Hopefully the legal action in this case will result in some real accountability and this type of fraudulent activity will be clearly exposed and dealt with so Atlanta can focus on positive business activities and sustainability for legitimate business in the entertainment community.
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